VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Edward Scicluna has been reinstated as Governor of the Central Bank of Malta, a year after stepping aside amid criminal charges related to the Vitals scandal. In a statement, the government confirmed that Scicluna had requested reinstatement from Prime Minister Robert Abela and Finance Minister Clyde Caruana. His request was accepted following consultation with the European Central Bank, which raised no objections.

Scicluna voluntarily suspended himself in July 2024, though he initially resisted calls to step down after being charged with alleged dereliction of duty. The charges relate to his time as Finance Minister, during which he was accused of enabling the fraudulent privatisation of three public hospitals. Known as the Vitals scandal, the case involves a controversial concession granted to Vitals Global Healthcare to run St. Luke’s, Karin Grech, and Gozo General hospitals. The government had previously described Scicluna’s suspension as being “in the national interest.” However, a government statement said that the Cabinet had been informed of recent developments and welcomed Scicluna’s return.

– photo Department of Information –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Prime Minister Robert Abela announced on Facebook that Malta will formally recognise the State of Palestine at the upcoming UN General Assembly in September. The timing of the statement came just minutes after hundreds protested in Valletta, demanding urgent action and chanting “Free Palestine” in protest of Israel’s blockade and starvation tactics in Gaza. The crowd banged pots and pans outside the Prime Minister’s office.

“Our position reflects our commitment to efforts for a lasting peace in the Middle East,” Abela wrote on Facebook. He added the decision would be formalised by Permanent Secretary Christopher Cutajar. But protesters and activists were sceptical, recalling two prior unfulfilled commitments on Palestinian recognition.

Activist Andre Callus urged the government to stop enabling “a genocidal and apartheid state,” while former President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca made a searing speech denouncing global silence on Gaza. “If you are silent now, you are complicit,” she said, describing Palestinian children dying of hunger or missile attacks. Joana Ejbali, speaking for organisers Moviment Graffitti, called attendees “warriors of peace” and demanded sanctions on Israel and an end to weapons shipped via Maltese-flagged vessels.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MANCHESTER (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – James Trafford is a new Manchester City player. The English club announced the news in a statement, specifying that the 22-year-old goalkeeper arrives from Burnley, signing a five-year contract until June 2030. For the goalkeeper, this is a return to City, as Trafford spent nearly eight years in the Citizens’ Academy before moving to Burnley in 2023.

“This is a truly special and proud moment for both me and my family,” said Trafford. “I’ve always dreamed that one day I could return. This is the place I call home: it’s a truly special football club, with fantastic people who make it a unique place to work and play. I’m truly thrilled and honored to have had the opportunity to work with Pep Guardiola and a group of world-class players. I’m still very young and I’m eager to continue learning and improving, and I know there’s no better environment to help me.”

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Kylian Mbappé becomes Real Madrid’s new number 10. The Spanish club revealed this news on their website, updating the former PSG player’s number. The French striker ace previously wore the number 9, as the 10 was worn by Modric, who has now moved to AC Milan. The number 9 is now available, but Gonzalo Garcia and Endrick are already the main candidates to inherit it.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) -
A large protest erupted outside Malta’s parliament in Valletta on Monday evening, as environmental activists demanded the government immediately withdraw two controversial planning reform bills.

Led by Moviment Graffitti, demonstrators insisted there could be no negotiation or compromise. “Withdrawal is our only demand,” a spokesperson declared, calling it a matter of democratic principle. The protest was fuelled by growing public outrage after Prime Minister Robert Abela dismissed criticism of the proposed legislation earlier in the day, suggesting that opponents had misunderstood the reforms.

Protesters displayed banners reading “Stop the destruction” and “Government hijacked by developers,” accusing the government of serving private interests at the expense of the public. Critics warn the proposed reforms would grant the Planning Authority sweeping discretionary powers, restrict court appeals, and allow ministers to revive lapsed development permits — all without adequate public consultation. Several opposition MPs attended the protest in a show of solidarity, joining calls for the immediate withdrawal of the bills.

Tensions flared when Abela arrived at parliament and was directly confronted by activists, who accused him of evading consultation and acting on behalf of developers.
“You want to take the people for a ride,” said one protester, challenging Abela’s defence that the legislation was being misunderstood.

Activist Andre Callus of Moviment Graffitti pressed the prime minister on why civil society had been ignored during the drafting process. Abela responded curtly, “We will talk to you,” before walking away — twice — as frustrations mounted. Under mounting pressure, Abela eventually said the bills would not be voted on until talks with civil society had taken place, though he stopped short of pausing the parliamentary process.

Environmental groups have condemned the reforms as disastrous, while opposition figures argue they would severely erode judicial oversight and democratic safeguards in Malta’s planning system. As the protest came to a close, activists remained adamant: unless the bills are withdrawn, resistance will only intensify.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – Roberto De Zerbi’s Marseille are in pole position to sign Neymar. According to Argentine website Tyc Sports, the Brazilian’s adventure at Santos is now coming to an end.

Since his return in January, the 33-year-old has played only 16 of Santos’ 27 matches this season due to injuries. The team lost to Corinthians in the Paulista semifinals, was eliminated from the Copa do Brasil by second-division Regatas, and is currently seventeenth in the Brasileirao, in the relegation zone, with 15 points.

Neymar could therefore leave Brazil, and according to Tyc Sports, Marseille, eternal rivals of PSG, the former team of the 1992-born player, are interested in the player.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – Joao Felix is a new player for Al-Nassr. The Saudi club announced the news via a post on their social media channels, complete with a photo of him signing a contract until 2027. The former AC Milan player thus joins his compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo and Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus. Al-Nassr will pay Chelsea approximately €50 million.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – David Moyes is asking the Friedkins to make an effort. According to British press, the Everton manager has set his sights on Manchester City winger Jack Grealish, who is leaving the Citizens and whose contract expires in 2027. The Toffees are reportedly ready to sign him on loan, but competition is fierce in the Premier League and beyond.

West Ham are interested in the player, but also, and above all, Antonio Conte’s Napoli, who, having lost Ndoye, may be more determined to target the England international. And it’s precisely the Three Lions coach Thomas Tuchel who is eyeing Grealish, who intends to play consistently in preparation for the 2026 World Cup. Moyes is ready to give him a starting spot; Napoli and the other contenders have another strong competitor.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Borussia Dortmund are in the fast lane for Jadon Sancho. According to Sky Sports, Juventus, who have been tracking the player for weeks, must contend with the German club that launched the Englishman into the top flight.

The Gialloneri want to bring him back for a third time (after a year in the youth team, he played for the first team between 2017 and 2021, returning in January 2024) and have already initiated discussions with Manchester United. The Old Trafford club, according to British media, values the 25-year-old at between €18 and €20 million, and Borussia Dortmund is reportedly ready to submit a suitable offer.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MARSEILLE (FRANCE) (ITALPRESS) – The Igor Paixao saga is in its final stages. As reported by L’Equipe, the Brazilian striker—a target of Roma—is one step closer to joining Marseille, who have reached an agreement with Feyenoord.

The Dutch club has authorized the player to travel to Marseille for a mandatory medical before signing a contract. The deal, according to the French newspaper, is valued at around €35 million. Last season, the 25-year-old scored 18 goals in 45 appearances between the Eredivisie and Champions League.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews